We're trying one of the new hardy cherry varieties recently released from the University of Saskatchewan. While they're all supposed to be fantastic, we chose 'Cupid' for its large fruit and slightly later bloom time, which will help it avoid frost damage during late spring freezes. It wasn't large when we bought it two years ago, and it didn't bloom at all last year. This year it has a few blossoms on it, and we're hoping to sample the cherries.

'Cupid' cherry in bloom

It seems like it was a long time ago when I first planted our alpine strawberry seeds indoors at the end of February. It was worth it to start them early, though, because it looks like they will produce some fruit in their first summer. Their production is supposed to increase in their second year.

Alpine strawberry 'Alexandria' unripe fruit

Most of our tomato plants are early varieties that are starting to produce flowers already, but 'Tiny Tim' is very early, and has a small tomato on it.

Cherry tomato 'Tiny Tim' unripe fruit

And here's the rose I previously raved about. The buds are hot pink, and open to some shade of pink or lavender-pink, seemingly dependent on how much sun they get.

We are in the same boat with the cherries...except I tried the Romeo, also a special breed from the U of S. I, too, was surprised with some blossoms this spring. Good luck - I know I can't wait to taste them!